What do you think?
Rate this book
Rick Montoya Italian Mystery #7
To Die in Tuscany
Translator Rick Montoya is looking forward to a quiet weekend away with his girlfriend, Betta, an art fraud investigator for the Italian Culture Ministry. Their destination: the beautiful village of Urbino, home to Renaissance masters Rafael and the lesser-known Piero della Francesca. While Betta does have official business to attend to—namely, collecting a priceless Piero drawing from a wealthy Spanish collector on the ministry's behalf—she asks Rick to join her "in case she needs an interpreter," but with other, less-official intentions in mind. When the Spaniard is found murdered and the drawing stolen, Betta must shift back into art cop mode, and Rick's official services are required after all. As they set out to discover the identity of the killer and the whereabouts of the stolen sketch, they are drawn from Urbino's cobbled streets to eastern Tuscany and back as the list of suspects grows longer—and more dangerous. Will this lovers' getaway literally be to die for?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2021
About the author
David P. Wagner
17 books60 followersDavid P. Wagner is a retired foreign service officer. Among his overseas assignments were nine years in Italy where he learned to love things Italian, many of which appear on the pages of his books.
After retirement he spent several years writing tourist materials for small Italian towns before deciding he wanted to add his own stories to those fascinating places. The result was the mystery series featuring dual-national translator Rick Montoya,
The eighth book in the series, out in August, takes Rick to Assisi and confirms his belief that you can't solve a mystery on an empty stomach.
David and his wife live in Pueblo, on Colorado's front range, with their cat Mitzi.
You can find out more about both David and Rick at the website above.
After retirement he spent several years writing tourist materials for small Italian towns before deciding he wanted to add his own stories to those fascinating places. The result was the mystery series featuring dual-national translator Rick Montoya,
The eighth book in the series, out in August, takes Rick to Assisi and confirms his belief that you can't solve a mystery on an empty stomach.
David and his wife live in Pueblo, on Colorado's front range, with their cat Mitzi.
You can find out more about both David and Rick at the website above.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 6, 2024
Now I am up to date on the adventures of Rick Montoya, translator extraordinaire. To Die in Tuscany is the seventh book in this series by David P. Wagner. I started with book eight and then went back to the beginning and it has been a pleasant journey through Italy and it's culture, history, food and drinks. In my mind book six was the best but they are all worth reading.
March 10, 2021
This story just uses wonderful Italian food and art in the village of Urbino to lead you through this picturesque setting. Rick Montoya is a translator and Betta is with the art fraud Ministry. A wealthy Spanish art collector is going to donate his latest purchase of a Piero drawing to the Museo Civico of Sansepolcro. Before this can happen Manuel Somonte is murdered and the drawing disappears. There are plenty of suspects namely the wife who hated coming to Italy. The estranged daughter. The local art community who dealt with the finding and selling of the drawing all are worthy suspects. This story just put front and centre all that is wonderful about Italy.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2021
To Die in Tuscany follows Rick Montoya on his next "investigation". I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Each of the Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries is set in a different town or city in Italy. This mystery is set in two small towns in the Marche region around Urbino with a particular focus on their art museums, gardens, local politics, and art dealers. If you have a love of Italy, art, and museums then To Die in Tuscany will be a welcome respite from being unable to travel to Italy for the last year or so. One of my favorite things about this series is they do well with depicting Italy, the food, culture, and the people. It is obvious that David P. Wagner has not only experience with so many areas of Italy but also he is well versed in Italian. For those of us studying Italian not just for the language but also to learn the culture of the Italians, this series is wonderful. Obviously, it is a small replacement for not getting my Italian adventure that was previously scheduled one week after the travel ban started, but, I truly look forward to the books in this series.
One of the things that is a bit different about this installment is how the investigation proceeds. Betta who was missed in the previous book is always an interesting character. But, To Die in Tuscany is very much in Betta's world of art theft. This book has a great array of characters who all did a great job of being plausible suspects so the reader spends a great time changing their mind about who committed both crimes that are at issue in this book. We learn about artists and masterpieces we may have not have been introduced to or have heard of because they are not always front-and-center when we visit the museums and galleries across the world. But, Italy is an amazing place of art and I like to refer to it as an open-air museum and art gallery because you turn a corner and see carvings and sculptures in the oddest places. Years ago, I had a theory that Italy discovers so much of its art buried in odd places that they may not have room to display it all so you see it in alcoves and breezeways and many other unexpected places. Some of it obviously pretty ancient. The Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries never disappoints and always has an interesting mystery. The point-of-view changed a bit this time for the mystery but, the travel through Urbino and other towns in this region made a great addition to the Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries. I cannot wait to see which region we visit next with Rick. The review can also be found at Lady Techie's Book Musings http://LadyTechiesbookmusings.blogspo....
One of the things that is a bit different about this installment is how the investigation proceeds. Betta who was missed in the previous book is always an interesting character. But, To Die in Tuscany is very much in Betta's world of art theft. This book has a great array of characters who all did a great job of being plausible suspects so the reader spends a great time changing their mind about who committed both crimes that are at issue in this book. We learn about artists and masterpieces we may have not have been introduced to or have heard of because they are not always front-and-center when we visit the museums and galleries across the world. But, Italy is an amazing place of art and I like to refer to it as an open-air museum and art gallery because you turn a corner and see carvings and sculptures in the oddest places. Years ago, I had a theory that Italy discovers so much of its art buried in odd places that they may not have room to display it all so you see it in alcoves and breezeways and many other unexpected places. Some of it obviously pretty ancient. The Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries never disappoints and always has an interesting mystery. The point-of-view changed a bit this time for the mystery but, the travel through Urbino and other towns in this region made a great addition to the Rick Montoya Italian Mysteries. I cannot wait to see which region we visit next with Rick. The review can also be found at Lady Techie's Book Musings http://LadyTechiesbookmusings.blogspo....
April 12, 2021
When I think of Italy, I think of great food, beautiful art and stunning scenery. David Wagner incorporates all of this as well as a solid mystery in his Rick Montoya series. Montoya is an American living in Rome who works as a translator. When Manuel Somonte, a Spanish businessman, decides to donate a piece of art to a museum in Sansepolcro, Montoya’s girlfriend, Dr. Betta Innocenti, is sent to observe the transfer. Betta is an art cop with the Ministry of Culture and accompanying her would allow them time together.. What would have been a lovely time away with Betta is transformed into an investigation when Somonte is murdered and the art is stolen.
In nearby Urbino the case is being handled by Inspector Alfredo Di Maio, who had worked with Montoya on a previous case. Montoya’s language skills are welcome in dealing with Somonte’s widow while Betta and Montoya also interview suspects in the art theft. Somonte purchased his art from Bruzzoni, a dealer, and was in competition with Morelli, another collector for that one particular piece. Somonte’s body was found in the botanical garden managed by Professor Florio, who is now using the tragedy to bolster attendance at the gardens. Under pressure from the Spanish consulate and the family, Di Maio is making little progress on the case. Betta’s investigation has also stalled and she is being called back to Rome when a chance comment starts to bring everything together.
Wagner’s story is a lesson in Italian art and cooking as Betta and Montoya sample the food and tour museums. It is also a tribute to the late Italian mystery writer Andrea Camilleri. Florio is a huge fan and looks to the plots of some of Camilleri’s mysteries to suggest solutions to the murder. As a fan of Camilleri, I was happy to see this and amused by Florio’s enthusiasm. At a time when travel is limited, Wagner’s To Die in Tuscany is the next best thing to a trip to Italy. I would like to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for my review.
In nearby Urbino the case is being handled by Inspector Alfredo Di Maio, who had worked with Montoya on a previous case. Montoya’s language skills are welcome in dealing with Somonte’s widow while Betta and Montoya also interview suspects in the art theft. Somonte purchased his art from Bruzzoni, a dealer, and was in competition with Morelli, another collector for that one particular piece. Somonte’s body was found in the botanical garden managed by Professor Florio, who is now using the tragedy to bolster attendance at the gardens. Under pressure from the Spanish consulate and the family, Di Maio is making little progress on the case. Betta’s investigation has also stalled and she is being called back to Rome when a chance comment starts to bring everything together.
Wagner’s story is a lesson in Italian art and cooking as Betta and Montoya sample the food and tour museums. It is also a tribute to the late Italian mystery writer Andrea Camilleri. Florio is a huge fan and looks to the plots of some of Camilleri’s mysteries to suggest solutions to the murder. As a fan of Camilleri, I was happy to see this and amused by Florio’s enthusiasm. At a time when travel is limited, Wagner’s To Die in Tuscany is the next best thing to a trip to Italy. I would like to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for my review.
May 24, 2021
Rick (Riccardo) Montoya travels with his girlfriend Betta to attend the donation of a recently retrieved Piero della Francesca drawing to the Municipal Museum of Sansepolcro. After having lunch in Anghiari and traveling to Sansepolcro Betta is contacted by her office (the Italian Art squad) and is send to Urbino because the Spanish art collector that is supposed to donate the drawing is found dead in the Orto Botanico in that same city.
This is the beginning of their joint inquiry with an old acquaintance, detective diMaio.
Their inquiries into the murder and the search for the missing artwork bring them to a couple of interesting places, like Urbino (Le Marche), Sansepolcro and Monterchi (Tuscany). Like all the Rick Montaya books this is an interesting mix of tour-guide, food-guide and detective.
I love the descriptions of the meals they are eating and the wines that accompany them and was very pleased with the recommendations the author makes in the afterword.
I particularly like this part of Italy and, being a great lover of Piero della Francesca artwork, immensely enjoyed the book. Only two years ago we revisited this area and the museums mentioned in the book (except for Urbino).
I can recommend the book to everyone who loves art, good food and Italy. If you want to visit the area and are looking for a good guidebook for the area in relation to the Piero della Francesca artworks I can recommend John Pope Hennesey's The Piero Della Francesca Trail, even though you have to check opening times and places where the artworks are kept, because there have been some changes in the last 5-10 years or so.
I want to thank Netgalley, the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC of this delightful book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the beginning of their joint inquiry with an old acquaintance, detective diMaio.
Their inquiries into the murder and the search for the missing artwork bring them to a couple of interesting places, like Urbino (Le Marche), Sansepolcro and Monterchi (Tuscany). Like all the Rick Montaya books this is an interesting mix of tour-guide, food-guide and detective.
I love the descriptions of the meals they are eating and the wines that accompany them and was very pleased with the recommendations the author makes in the afterword.
I particularly like this part of Italy and, being a great lover of Piero della Francesca artwork, immensely enjoyed the book. Only two years ago we revisited this area and the museums mentioned in the book (except for Urbino).
I can recommend the book to everyone who loves art, good food and Italy. If you want to visit the area and are looking for a good guidebook for the area in relation to the Piero della Francesca artworks I can recommend John Pope Hennesey's The Piero Della Francesca Trail, even though you have to check opening times and places where the artworks are kept, because there have been some changes in the last 5-10 years or so.
I want to thank Netgalley, the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC of this delightful book in exchange for my honest review.
May 1, 2021
Readers who enjoy art, architecture, gardens, twisting streets, Italian food and red wine will want to read this mystery. It is part of a series although the novels can be read out of order. This was the first book that I have read by Mr. Wagner and I look forward to reading all of the others.
Rick Montoya works as a multi-lingual translator while his significant other, Betta, is employed by an art crime squad in the Italian cultural ministry. The two are in the Urbino area where a wealthy Spanish collector has donated a Piero Della Francesca drawing to a small, local museum. Unfortunately he is murdered and the drawing is missing. Solving the case is the focus of this story with intervals for food and drink.
There are many suspects. These include directors of other museums, a collector who was unable to secure the drawing himself, the victim’s second wife and his daughter, his assistant and more. Readers will get to know each of them as they try to solve the case.
Those who enjoy mysteries by Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri will want to read this. There is even a character who continuously pays homage to the latter’s series detective, Inspector Montalbano.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Rick Montoya works as a multi-lingual translator while his significant other, Betta, is employed by an art crime squad in the Italian cultural ministry. The two are in the Urbino area where a wealthy Spanish collector has donated a Piero Della Francesca drawing to a small, local museum. Unfortunately he is murdered and the drawing is missing. Solving the case is the focus of this story with intervals for food and drink.
There are many suspects. These include directors of other museums, a collector who was unable to secure the drawing himself, the victim’s second wife and his daughter, his assistant and more. Readers will get to know each of them as they try to solve the case.
Those who enjoy mysteries by Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri will want to read this. There is even a character who continuously pays homage to the latter’s series detective, Inspector Montalbano.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 6, 2021
In this 7th book of the series Italian-American translator Rick Montoya accompanies his girlfriend Betta, an art fraud investigator for the Italian Culture Ministry, to Urbino where she is to accept a priceless Piero drawing from a wealthy Spanish donor on the Ministry’s behalf and deliver it to the nearby museum which is to be its new home.
But no sooner do they arrive than Manuel Somonte’s body is discovered at the Botanical Garden he was also a benefactor to, tellingly propped up against a plant ironically called “Spanish dagger” and with the drawing now missing. And immediately his daughter, her step-mother the now widow Somonte, and family confidante and Somonte’s right hand man in business Lucho Garcia are all wrangling over the disposition of the estate, and the fate of the drawing when recovered. Betta must now assume even deeper official responsibilities, and Rick is enlisted the translate for the Spanish entourage and the Italian investigative authorities.
While these novels are a bit formulaic, the stories are fun, the plots all intriguing enough, and the resolutions are very satisfying. This latest is the same. Anyone who enjoys mysteries will enjoy this story, as well as the others in the series.
But no sooner do they arrive than Manuel Somonte’s body is discovered at the Botanical Garden he was also a benefactor to, tellingly propped up against a plant ironically called “Spanish dagger” and with the drawing now missing. And immediately his daughter, her step-mother the now widow Somonte, and family confidante and Somonte’s right hand man in business Lucho Garcia are all wrangling over the disposition of the estate, and the fate of the drawing when recovered. Betta must now assume even deeper official responsibilities, and Rick is enlisted the translate for the Spanish entourage and the Italian investigative authorities.
While these novels are a bit formulaic, the stories are fun, the plots all intriguing enough, and the resolutions are very satisfying. This latest is the same. Anyone who enjoys mysteries will enjoy this story, as well as the others in the series.
April 10, 2021
Rick Montoya is a translator who lives and works in Rome. He and his girlfriend, Betta, an art fraud investigator for the Italian Culture Ministry, have planned a weekend getaway in Urbino in Tuscany. There Betta will be attending an event at a local museum, where a wealthy Spaniard is donating a piece of art. However, Senor Somoto is found murdered and the priceless art has disappeared. As Rick attempts to help the police investigate the murder, Betta is charged with finding the missing artwork.
To Die in Tuscany is a treat in every sense of the word. The mystery is well-done, the characters are interesting and varied, and the setting is…well…it’s Italy, with its food, wine, scenery, architecture, and art. There is something for everyone, including some background on Renaissance art. I so enjoyed learning more about Italy and David Wagner makes me feel immersed in all things Italian. All in all it is a delightful read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.
To Die in Tuscany is a treat in every sense of the word. The mystery is well-done, the characters are interesting and varied, and the setting is…well…it’s Italy, with its food, wine, scenery, architecture, and art. There is something for everyone, including some background on Renaissance art. I so enjoyed learning more about Italy and David Wagner makes me feel immersed in all things Italian. All in all it is a delightful read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.
April 11, 2022
This is the first book of the Rick Montoya murder mystery series that I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Professional interpreter Rick Montoya and his girlfriend Dottoressa Betta Innocenti, an "art cop" from the Ministry of Culture, travel to Urbino to witness the donation of a recently discovered sketch by Piero della Francesca to the local museum, when the donor, a wealthy Spanish mill owner, turns up dead and the sketch is missing. With local police inspector Alberto DiMaio they must find the murderer and the were-abouts of the sketch. The cast of characters are well drawn and believable, the story flows nicely, the author is very familiar with the region and the people and especially the cuisine, and is very adept at describing it all. You can gain a bit of weight just reading about the meals they have while solving the crime. A delightful book.
April 1, 2021
Manuel Somoto was scheduled to donate a priceless drawing to a museum but then...he's murdered and the drawing disappears. Rick Montoya, a translator who seems to get into a lot of trouble, and his girlfriend Betta Innocenti, an art fraud investigator with the Ministry of Culture, find themselves (happily) drawn into the case. Rick works with the police in Urbino and Betta is after the drawing. The charm of these novels (and I'm a fan) lies in the atmospherics as much as the mystery, which is pretty darn good too. There are wonderful descriptions of food and I learned a bit about Renaissance art. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier books- this will be fine as a standalone. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read that made me long for the chance to travel again.
June 5, 2021
I enjoyed it enough to keep reading, but too easy a read. Not much in the way of true character development or plot development for that matter. Italian details felt plopped in, not smoothly integrated. Just not a particularly fluid writing style. Don't know how to explain what I am trying to say...basic. The author di not easily carry me along on a voyage of discovery. But with all that, it left me hungry and wanting to go to Urbino, and I picked up some interesting facts about the city, so not all bad! But I will not become a follower of this series.
March 18, 2025
Having just finished reading the first 6 books in the series, I knew what I was getting into.
This particular volume is rather heavier (lots more of everything: sight seeing, architecture, customs, people's relationships) than the preceding ones, but nonetheless interesting and engaging of the reader's brain as well as travel desires>
Wagner NEVER leaves me at the end of a section thinking WHY did I pick this up. In fact, I often have to stay up (or never leave the house) in order to find out WHO and HOW (and what did Rick and Piero and whichever other person EAT)
This particular volume is rather heavier (lots more of everything: sight seeing, architecture, customs, people's relationships) than the preceding ones, but nonetheless interesting and engaging of the reader's brain as well as travel desires>
Wagner NEVER leaves me at the end of a section thinking WHY did I pick this up. In fact, I often have to stay up (or never leave the house) in order to find out WHO and HOW (and what did Rick and Piero and whichever other person EAT)
August 2, 2022
I have enjoyed the books in this series and this was my third. It combines my love of a good mystery with Italian wine and food - what could be better! This one finds Rick and his girlfriend in Urbino where she is supposed to pick up a priceless drawing. But soon after their arrival, they find the Spanish benefactor dead and the search for the killer begins. Keeps you guessing until the end with several likely suspects.
April 19, 2021
Just when you think Wagner has achieved perfection, he surpasses himself with the latest Rick Montoya Italian Mystery - To Die In Tuscany. You know it is a tour d'force when the mystery keeps you guessing, the dialogue sounds natural, you can taste the meals, savor the wine, see the sites, and lose yourself in the fascinating art history. When a complex story appears to flow this effortlessly, you know you are enjoying the work of a masterful author. It was worth the wait for this one that I will read again.
November 21, 2021
Rick Montoya and his art police friend travel to Tuscany. The beautiful hills, the delicious food and wine, the master artworks, the rolling hills and wait-could it be the murder?
Comment:
I like this series. It is perfect for the "accidental tourist in all of us. David Wagner is improving with every book. Yet this book is not a page turner that is an essential quality of any great mystery.
Comment:
I like this series. It is perfect for the "accidental tourist in all of us. David Wagner is improving with every book. Yet this book is not a page turner that is an essential quality of any great mystery.
May 9, 2021
I discovered a new series that I want to read. I loved the style of writing, the setting and the well thought characters.
The mystery is solid and well written
I received this arc from the publisher via Netgalley
The mystery is solid and well written
I received this arc from the publisher via Netgalley
September 14, 2021
I hadn’t read a Rick Montoya mystery in a while and what a delight it was! Italy, art history, food mixed with a little mystery. One couldn’t ask for any more. It was an enjoyable read as I traveled through Tuscany with Rick and Betta. I await another book.
May 27, 2021
Not as good as others in the series.
June 28, 2021
Light read enjoyed the description of Tuscany countryside, the discussion of art and food.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2022
How do you make a book set in Italy, full of wine and food and sunshine and art, boring?!? Stilted dialogue helps, and shallow descriptions as well. So disappointed.
Read
March 8, 2026#7 Rick Montoya Italian mystery
August 14, 2023
I'm struggling to find different words for expressing the same concept: I love this series
I already wrote this and it applies to this book too
I love this series and this is an excellent addition.
I love the realistic descriptions of Italy, the well thought and likable characters, the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I already wrote this and it applies to this book too
I love this series and this is an excellent addition.
I love the realistic descriptions of Italy, the well thought and likable characters, the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 5, 2023
To me this one was not as good as the previous books. The food, wines and sites were good but the story was a little flat to me. Maybe because Rick was much more passive in this story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews